Method of and apparatus for treating fibrous material



J. N. SELVlG June 25, 1929.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING-FIBROUS MATERIAL Filed March 10, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet l METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING FIBROUS MATERIAL J. N. SELVIG June 25, 1929.

4 Sheets- Sheet 2 Filed March 10, 1927 ITuiQzn 0r,- fifenv \FWAJNQMQ J7 1 @d m% a piilllii lbl z June 25, 1929. J. N. SELVIG METHOD OF AND APPARATUS .FOR TREATING FIBROUS MATERIAL Filed March 10, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 J. N. SELVIG June 25, 1929.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING FIBROUS MATERIAL Filed March 10, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented June 25, 1929.

UNITED STATES JOHN N. SELVIG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Y

- METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING FIBROUS MATERIAL.

Application. filed March 10, 1927. Serial No. 174,116.

My invention relates to methods of -and apparatus for treating fibrous material and has for its object the provision of a new and improved method of preparing the fibers of hemp, sisal. rass, flax, or similar products for use. It is anotherobject of my invention to provideone form of new and improved apparatusby the use of which my improved method can be carried out.

It is "one of m objectsfto provide a new and improved orm and arrangement ofparts in a machine-for preparing fibers involvin more or less the structures described and claimed by my Letters Patent No. 1,601,984, granted'on October 5, 1926. To

this end, it is one of my objects to provide a construction comprising breaking and scutching means'of the type set forth in said I Letters Patent, together with improved means for holding the fibers and controlling their movement through the machine while being acted upon. It isanother object of my \,'invention to provide a new arrangement by which thehem-p, flax, or other material, is

2 fed in a diagonal direction to the breaking and scutching apparatus whereby the capacity of the machine is very materially in creased, as compared with the construction in which the material is fed between the beate'rs of the scutching and breaking apparatus at right angles with respect to their axes of rotation. It isbne ofthe objects of my invention to provide a plurality of beater devices to which the fibers arefed successivedle portions of the fibers in one direction and the other device acting on said middle portions in the opposite directionas the diagonal feedin proceeds. g It is anot er object of my invention to improve methods and apparatus of this type in sundry details hereinafter pointed out. The preferred means by which I have accomplished my several objects are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and are hereinafter specifically described. That which I believe to be new and desire. to cover by this application is set forth in the claims.

In the drawings,- Fig. 1 isa top plain'view of the form of my improved machine.

Fig. 2 is a side view of said machine, omitting however. the portion thereofbelowthe "floor upon which the main frameof the machine is located. I

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail, partly broken preferred ly, with one ofthe devices acting on the midaway, being substantially a verticalcross section on line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail, beingsubstantially a vertical section taken on line t4 of Fig. '11.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side view of one of the forwarding chains imposition upon-the table ofthe machine.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail, being avertical section taken at the line 66 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail, being substantially a verticals section taken at line 7--7 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section through a pair of scutchin reel devices, being substantially a sectionta en at line 8-8 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is an end view of a pair of breaking and scutching reels, being taken substantial 1y on the sectionl-ine 99 of Fig. 1.

J Fig. 10 is a vertical section taken on line 10 10 of Fig. 9.

' Fig. 11 is a topplan view of the receiving end portion of my improved machine, being shown upon an enlarged scale forbetter illustrating the construction, and showing the end portion of the reel in longitudinal section.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged detail view, being a section at line 12-12 of Fig. 13; and

Fig. 13 is a top planview of the middle portion of my improved. machine upon an enlarged scale/and showing certain of the parts in section.

Referring to the several figures of the drawings, in which corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference characters, 20 indicates a table supported by a framework 21 of any suitable-type. As is best shown in Fig. 8, the table 20 comprisesa portion of a housing 22 by which the operating parts of my improved machine are substantially enclosed, the housing in some-instances forming also a part of the framework. In

'the form of my improved machine as shown in the drawings, four sets of scutching reels are provided arranged at opposite sides of the table 20. as is 'best indicated in Fig. 1. each pairof scutching reels being preferably of substantially the form illustrated and claimed in, my prior Patent No." 1,601,984.

. above referred to. Each pair of reels comprises two shaft-s 23 and 24 in spaced relation to each other, said shafts in the construction shown being provided at their end portions with spiders 25, the arms of one of thespiders beinglin staggered position with respect to the arms of the other spider, to which they are connected by diagonally disposed longitudinally extending scutchingbars 26. It will be understood that additional spiders might be provided if desired. The scutehing reels located nearer to the receiving end of the machine act not only as scutching reels butalso as breaking devices, the operation of the reels being substantially as described in my aforesaid Letters Patent.

The housing below each pair of reels terminates at the bottom in a hopper 27 which has a pipe 28 leading downwardly therefrom through the floor. The several pipes 28 from the four sets of, scutching reels are connected with a suction pump 29 of any suitable type driven by power fromany available source, the arrangement being such that the pump serves to draw from the machine the broken pieces of the stalks and the dirt and dust arising from the breaking and scutching operations.

The upper shaft 23 of each of the pairs of scutching reels is provided at one end with a driving pulley 30 which is adapted to be driven by power from any suitable source. The shafts Q3 and 24: are connected by gears 31 and 32 for causing them to rotate in opposite directions (see Fig. 11) the reels being positioned so as to operate in interla-pping relationship as is clearly shown in Figs. 8 and 9. In the end portion of the table 20 at the left in Fig. 1, I have provided a slot 33 (see Fig. (3) through which the upper ends of lugs 34 extend, such lugs being formed upon the outer face of an endless chain 35 supported by sprocket gears 36 and 37 mounted on shafts 38 extending transversely across the. table 20 a short distance below its bottom face. At opposite sides of the chain 35. but located above the table 'ather than below, 1 have provided two additional chains 39 and 40. Each of the chains 39 and 40 is supported a its rear end by a sprocket gear 41 mounted upon a transverse shaft 42. The front end of the chain 39 is supported by a sprocket gear 43 revolubly mounted in position. while-the front end of the chain 40 is supported by a sprocket gear 14 considerably farther in advance than the gear 43. The chains 39 and 40 pass over sprocket gears 45 mounted upon a drive haft 46 extending transversely of the table whereby the chains are actuated foncarrying the bottom plies of the chains forwardly, or toward the right in Fig. Idler gears 47 are employed in connection with the chains 39 and 40 for tightening the chains by the adjustment of the gears -17 vertically by means of swinging arms t8 upon which such gears are mounted. The chain 35 is also driven from the shaft 4-6 by means of a gear 49 mounted on the shaft 46. the gear 491neshing with a gear 50 (see Fig. 2) which is connected by means of a sprocket chain 51 and suitable sprocket gears 'with the shaft 38 upon which thetsprocketgear 37 for the chain 35 is mounted. The

' arrangement is such that the side chains 39 and 40 are driven at a slightly greater speed than the chain 35. The shaft 46 is driven by power applied thereto through a driving pulley 52. As is clearly shown in Fig. 5, the chain 39 is provided with a series of out\ 'ardly projecting lugs 53 which extend into contact with the table 20 or into close proximity thereto, the chain 40 being similarly formed and similarly positioned.

At the forward end of the machine, I have provided a drive shaft 54 with a driving pulley thereon for applying power thereto from any suitable source. A sprocket chain 56 by means of suitable sprocket gears connects the shaft 54 with a drive shaft 57 at about the middle point of my machine. The shaft 57 is provided with a sprocket gear 58 which is connected by means of an endless chain 59 with a sprocket gear (50 substantially opposite the forward end of the bottom chain As is best shown in Fig. 7, the. sprocket gear (50 in the construction shown comprises two parts for accommodating the particular form of chain 59 as hereinafter described, such two parts being rigidly mounted in any suitable manner upon a hub 61 which is rotatably supported from the framework by the use of any suitable mechanism. As is shown in Figs. 4, 7 and 11. the chain 59 comprises three series of longitudinally extending rib sections, each series being spaced transversely with respect. to the other series, and the rib sections of the intermediate series being wider than the ribs of the other two series. That is to say, the chain 59 is a sprocket chain with the connecting plate portions of the chain forming in effect. substantially continuous ribs longitudinally of the chain. In the drawings the. wider intermediate rib portion is indicated by the numeral (52, while the outside rib portions are indicated by the numerals 63. As is best shown in Fig. 4, the outer edges of the ribs 62 and 63 are provided with teeth thcrealong. On the ends of the hub 61. there are two toothed feed wheels (it and (35 in such spaced relation as to permit the. chain 59 to have free movement between them, the teeth of such feed wheels being spaced at small distance from the top face of the table 20, as is clearly shown in Fig. 4.

Upon the table 20 below the chain 59, l have provided longitudinally extending ribs 66 and 67 having their smooth upper edges substantially opposite the lower edges of the rib portions 63 of the chain, with t-he. rib portion 62 extending downwardly between the ribs 66 and 67, the rear ends of the. ribs (36 and (57 being beveled so as to permit. the stalk-s of fibrous material readily to be pushed upwardly thereon as hereinafter described.

In front of the chain 59, with its rear end for a short distance opposite the front end of said chain 59, l. have provided a second main chain, indicated by .the numeral 68. This chain is very similar to the chain 59, except that in the form shown it. comprises four longitudinally extending rib portions 69 in place of the three similar portions ofthe chain 59. The rib sections 69 ofthe chain 68 are, however, all of the same width vertically. so that their outer edges which the frame-work 21, such sprocket gear being of the same type as the gear but. arranged to accommodate the greater number of longitudinally extending rib portions 70. At its front end, the chain 68 is supported by a sprocket wheel 72 by which it is also driven, such gear 7 2 in turn being driven from the shaft 54 by a chain 73 and sprocket gears cooperating therewith, as is best indicated in Fig. 1. 7

With power applied to the several pulleys 30, to the pulley 52, and the pulley 55, and with the suction pump 29 in operation, stalks of fibrous material are placed in position across the rear end of the table 20 and are pushed forward along the table until they,

the side chains are driven at a slightly faster rate than that of the bottom chain, the stalks will be buckled or bent at their middle portions so that each end portion of the stalk extends diagonally forward to a slight. extent, the degree of angularity of the end portions increasing as the stalks move forward. Very soon, however, the stalks are moved out of engagement with the bottom chain 35, at about. the same time coming into engagement with the feed wheels 64 and 65 which force the stalks up the beveled ends of the ribs 66 and 67 into engagement with the main chain 59. In Fig. 7, I have shown two stalks 74; and 75, one just ready to pass up the beveled ends of the ribs 66 and 67, and the other crimped between the ribs of the chain 59 and the smooth upper edges of the ribs 66 and 67. With the stalk 75 in the position as shown, it will be understood that it will resist. a fairly strong pull longitudinally of the stalk and transverselyof'the table without any substantial slippage longitudinally of the stalk.

As the stalks of fibrous material are carried forward by the side chains-39 and 40 and the main chain 59, the ends of the stalks are brought successively into engagement with the breaking and scutching mechanism at the left in Fig.1. In the construction illustrated, the'side chains 39 and 4t) and the main chain 59 are driven at. the same speed so that the stalks are normally held in the same bowed angular position as that which they have when they pass into engagement with the main chain. Inasmuch as the axes of the breaking and scutching reels are diagonally disposed with respect to the forward movement of the stalks along the table 20, it will be understood that the stalks of fibrous material will be presented gradually farther and farther into effective engagement with the reels for the breakage of the woody matter into short pieces and the scut-ching of such woody material from the fibers. The action of the breaking and scut-ching reels is substantially the same as that set forth and claimed in my prior U. S. Patent No. 1,601,984 above referred to, comprising the bending of the stalks first in one direction and then at substantially the same 'point in the opposite direction. for securing the complete breakage of the woody matter for facilitating its removal by the scraping or scutching action of the longitudinally extending bars of the reels as the stalks move forward under the influence of the chains from the ends of the stalks toward the intermediate portions thereof at which they are. held by the main chain 59.

As the stalks progress to and beyondthe forward end of the first set of breaking and scutching reels, the opposite ends of the stalks are brought into effective engagement with the breaking and scutching reels at the op posite side of the table 20, such reels also converging forwardly with respect to the pathof movement of the stalks. By such reels, the stalks at that side of the table are broken in the manner above described and a scutching operation is effected progressing from the ends of the stalks at that side of the table toward the intermediate portions at which the stalks are held by the chain 59. While the stalks are still in engagement with the last mentioned breaking and scutching reels, they pass out of the control of the main chain 59 and into the control of the second main chain 68. Inasmuch as the major portions of the woody matter have been scutched from the stalks so as to leave substantially nothing but the fibers by the time they are brought into engagement with the second main chain 68,1 have provided the slightly difierent form of main chain 68. as illustrated in Fig.

12. In said Fig. 12 I have indicated the fibersin engagement with the main chain 68 by the numeral 76. By reason-of the considerable number of the longitudinally extending ribs 69 and of the longitudinally extending ribs 70 in interlapping relationship with such ribs 69, the main chain 68 is ren dered effective for holding the fibers against movement longitudinally of the fibers transversely of the table even though such fibers are comparatively fine and soft.

the same effect, except that the second set of reels at each side diverge forwardly Wlth'IB- spect to the movement of the stalks or fibers .so that the scutching operation of such reels progresses in each'instance from an intermediate point toward the ends. It will be understood that when the stalks pass out of engagement with the main chain 59 and into engagement with the main chain 68, the breaking and scutching operation is carried to and beyond the point where such stalks were originally in engagement with the chain 59, so that the stalks are completely scutched from end to end by the several operations as above described. v

For conducting the fibers from the first set of breaking and scutching reels at the side of the table 20 and into operative engagement with the next succeeding set of reels at the same side of the table, guides 77 and 78 are provided. As is best shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the guide 77 is of substantially a conical shape for conducting the fibers in their forward movement along the table to the proper point for entering into engagement with the second set of reels at that side of the table. As is clearly shown in Fig. 10, the forward ends of the longitudinally extending beater bars 26 of the lower reel at the left in Fig. 1 are notched at 26 on their inner faces for the reception of the rear end of the guide 77 so that the fibers may pass smoothly without interruption from the lower reel to the guide 77. I have not shown in detail the form of the guide 78, but it will be understood that it is of corresponding shape and opera' tion.

By the use of my improved mechanism, the initial breaking and scutching of the fibers by the first acting sets of reels at each side of the table are very effective for clearing the greater part if not all of the woody matter from the fibers. In the treatment of some types of fibrous material in proper condition for the treatment, the fibers will be found to be properly cleaned by the action of such first acting sets at opposite sides. For flax, however, and'some other kinds of fibrous material, I prefer to employ one or more sets of scutching mechanisms in addition to said first acting sets, such additional scutching mechanisms as above described serving to carry the scutching operations in the opposite direction at each end portion from that of the initial scutching operation. By this means, the fibers are very thoroughly cleaned, while at the same time they are kept in the best possible condition without tangling or breakage.

I have found in practice in the use of my improved machine that it is very effective in its operation, serving to clean the fibrous material even when the stalks are run through the machine at a comparatively very rapid rate.

While I prefer to employ the form of machine substantially as shown in the drawings and as above described, I do not wish to limit my invention thereto, except as certain of the claims are specifically so limited, since it will be evident that changes might well be made in the form and construction without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim 1. The method of scutching fibrous material which comprises feeding the material successively to two sets of rotary boaters arranged in diagonal position with respect to .the path of movement, with one set diverging forwardly with respect to said path and the other'set converging.

2. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a table, means for feeding stalks of fibrous material forward along said table, other feeding means at opposite sides for feeding the end portions of the stalks forward at a slightly faster rate serving to give the stalks a slight bend at their middle portions, other means to which said first named feeding means de livers said stalks for feeding them forward evenly in bent condition, and two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship at the edge of the table with their axes diagonally disposed with respect to the direction of movement of the stalks.

3. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a table, an endless belt for feeding stalks of fibrous material forward along said table, other endless belts at opposite sides for feeding the end portions of the stalks forward at a slightly faster rate serving to give the stalks a slight bend attheir middle portions, a fourth endless belt to which said first named belt delivers said stalks for feeding them forward evenly with the side belts, and two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship at the edge of the table with their axes diagonally disposed with respect to the direction of movement of the stalks.

4. An apparatus for treating fibrous meing upward projections extending through said slot adapted by engagement with stalks of fibrous material to feed them forward along said table, other endless chains at opposite sides for feeding the end portions of the stalks forward at a slightly faster rate serving to give the stalks a slight bend at their middle portions, a fourth endless belt to which said first named endless belt de:

livers said stalks for feeding them forward evenly with the side chains, and two reels chain and in alignment therewith, a second endless chain mounted above said ribs and having thereon a longitudinally extending toothed rib projecting downwardly between said first named ribs serving to crimp stalks of fibrous material between the first named ribs and to draw said stalks along the upper edges of the first named ribs, and other endless chains mounted on said table at opposite sides of said first and second chains in position to press the end' portions of the stalks against the table and having downward projections thereon serving by contact.

with the'stalks to carry said end portions forward at thesame speed. as that of the portion gripped by the ribs, said first named endless chain being driven at a slower speed than said second chain whereby the stalks when in engagement with said first chain are gradually bent forwardly at their end portions;

6. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a table having a slot therein, an endless chain having upward projections extending through said slot adapted by engagement with stalks of fibrous material to feed them forward along said table, a pair of ribs extending longitudinally of the table fromone end of said chain and. in alignment therewith, a second endless chain mounted above said ribs and having thereon a longitudinally extending toothed rib projecting downwardly between said first named ribs serving to crimp stalks of fibrous material between the first named ribs and to draw said stalks along the upper edges of the first named ribs, a toothed feed wheel above the end of said second endless chain adapted to assist in carrying the stalks of fibrous material from said first named chain into the grip of said ribs, and other endless chains mounted on said table at opposite sides of said first and second chains in position to press the end portions of the stalks against the table and having downward projections thereon serving to carry said end portions forward, said second endless chain and said last named endless chains being arranged to run at the same speed and said first named endless chain being arranged to run at a slightly slower speed whereby the stalks are bent forwardly at their end portions.

7. An apparatus for treating fibrous material comprising in combination a table, means for feeding stalks of fibrous material forward along said table, two reels having longitudinally. extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship at the edge of the table with their axes converging with the path of nuwement of the stalks for reeeiving the stalks gradually between the reels as they move forward along the table, two other reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship at the edge of the table in front of said first named two reels with their axes diverging from the path of movement of the stalks for scutching the fibers as they pass 9 gradually out of engagement with the reels in their forwardmovement, and a guide extending from the first pair of reels to the second pair for directing the fibers into engagement with the second pair of reels.

8. An apparatus for treating fibrous ma terial comprising in combination a table, means for feeding stalks of fibrous material forward along said table, two' reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship at the edge of the table with their axes converging with the path of movement of the stalks for receiving thestalks gradually between the reels as they move forward along the table, two other reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship at the edge of the'table in front of said first named two reels with their axes diverging from the path of movement of the stalks for scutching the fibers as they pass gradually out of engagement with the reels in their forward movement, and a guide underlying the longitudinal bars of the lower reel of the firstpair and extending to said second pair of reels for delivering the fibers thereto as they are moved forward along the table.

9. An apparatus for treating fibrous material comprisii'ig in combination-a table, means for feeding stalks of fibrous material forward along said table, two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolw ing in interlapping relationship at the edge of the table with their axes converging with the path of movement of the stalks for receiving the stalks gradually between the reels as they move forward along the table, two other reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship at the edge of the table infront of said first named two reels with their axes diverging from the path of movement of the stalks for scutching the'fibers as they pass gradually out of engagement with the reels in their forward movement, and a conical guide interposed between the two sets of reels for delivering the fibers from the first set to the second, the longitudinally extending bars of the lower reel of the first pair being notched for receiving the larger end of said guide.

10. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination means for gripping stalks of fibrous material and moving them forward, breaking and scutehing means at one side of the path of movement operating on said stalks progressively from one end toward the middle, other breaking and scutching means at the opposite side operating on said stalks progressively from the other end toward the middle, additional scutching means operating progressively on said stalks toward the end of the stalks at one side, and other additional scutehing means at the oppositeside operating progressively on said stalks toward the end of the stalks at that side.

11. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination means for gripping stalks of fibrous material and moving them forward, two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged in diagonal position with respect to the path of the stalksfor op' erating on said-stalks progressively from one end toward the middle, a second set of two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged in diagonal position with respect to the path of the stalks at the opposite side thereof for operating on said stalks progressively from the other end of the stalks toward the middle,

, and a third set of two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged in diagonal position withrespect to the path of the stalks at the same side thereof with said first named reels operating progressively on the intermediate portions of said stalks.

12. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination means for gripping stalks of fibrous material and moving them forward, two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged-in diagonal position with respect to the path of the stalks for operating on said stalks progressively from one end toward the middle, two other reels also having longitudinally extending beater said stalks toward the ends of the stalks at one side, and other additional scutehing means at the opposite side operating progressively on said stalks toward the end of the stalks at that side.

13. Anapparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination means for gripping stalks of fibrous material and moving them forward, two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged in diagonal position with respect to the path of the stalks for operating on said stalks progressively from one end toward the middle, two other reels also having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged in diagonal position with respect to the path of the stalks at the opposite side thereof for operating on said stalks progressively from the end thereof toward the middle, a third set of reels having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged in diagonal position with respect to the path of the stalks operating progressively on said stalks toward the ends of the stalks at the side at which said first named reels are located, and a fourth set of reels having longitudinally extending beater bars in interlapping relationship arranged in diagonal position with respect to the path of the stalks at the opposite side operating progressively on said stalks toward the ends of the stalks at that side.

14. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination two reels ing in interlapping relationship so arranged and so timed with respect to each other that each bar of one reel at any given point along said bar moves rapidly into close proximity to the other bar and thereafter moves quickly and rapidly away, with the bearing edges of said bars at their nearest approach to each other separated sutficiently for permitting normally freemovement of the stalks of fibrous material therebetween along said bars, and with the point of nearest approach of each bar of one reel tothe corresponding bar of the other reel moving longitudinally of the reel, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material into engagement with the reels and for moving the stalks longitudinally of the reels at a rate for insuring engagement of the stalks a plurality of times with the several bars successively.

15. An apparatus for treating fibrous material. comprising in combination two reels having spirally arranged beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship so arranged having spirally arranged beater bars rcvolvand so timed with respect to each other that each bar of one reel at any given point along said bar moves rapidly into close proximity to the other bar and thereafter moves quickly and rapidly away, with the bearing edges of said bars at their nearest approach to each other separated sufiicientiy for permitting normally i'ree movement of the stalks of fibrous material therebetween along said bars, and with the point of nearest approach of each bar 0t. one reel to the corresponding bar of the other reel moving longitudinally of the reel, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material into engagement with the reels and for moving the stalks diagonally along the reels :tor a series of engagements with the several bars in succession.

16. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination two reels having spirally arranged beater bars revolv ing in interlapping relationship so arranged and so timed with respect to each other that each bar of one reel at any given point along said bar moves rapidly into close proximity to the other bar and thereafter moves quickly and rapidly away, with the bearing edges of said bars at their nearest approach to each other separated sufficiently tor permitting normally free movement of the stalks of fibrous material therebetween along said bars, and with the point of nearest approach of. each bar of one reel to the corresponding bar of the other reel moving longitudinally of the reel, and means for feeding stalks of libr'ous material ito engagement with the reels and for moving the stalks longitudinally ot the reels in the same direction therealong as that in which the point of nearest approach of the bars is moving.

17. An apparatus for treating fibrous ma; terial, eon'iprising in combination a table, an endless chain mounted above the table and adapted by the action of the bottom ply to move stalks of fibrous material forward along the table. said table having a slot therein in alignment with said endless chain and extending under one end of said chain, a second endless chain mounted below said table having upward projections extending through said slot and adapted by the action of the upper ply to move stalks of fibrous material forward along the table into position below the end of said first named chain, and other endless chain means mounted above said table adapted by the action of the lower ply portion thereof to carry the stalks from the second endless chain into engagement with said first named endless chain.

18. The method of treating stalks of fibrous material which comprises moving the stalks along a diagonal path with respect to a. pair of interlapping beater reels for feeding the stalks gradually into engagement with the reels fora progressive breaking and scutching operation, and then moving the stalks forward along a continuation of said path in engagement with a second pair of interlapping reels so arranged in diagonal position with respect to said path that the stalks are scutched progressively by the action of the reels while being gradually withdrawn from the reels. V

19. An apparatus for treating fibrous inatrrial, comprising in combination a t'ablc,-two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relation, with the bars of each reel in angular position with respect to the adjacent portions ol the bars of the other reel and with the bars of each reel moving in close proximity to the edge of said table, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material to the reels along said table in a path diagonally arranged with respect to the axes of said reels, the engagement of the stalks between oppositely disposed portions of: the beater bars being intermittent only and substantially momentary at each engagment so as to permit the stalks to move freely longitudinally of the reels.

20. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a table, two reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in inter-lapping relation, with the bars of each reelin angular position with respect, to the adjacent portions of the bars of the other reel and with the bars of each reel moving in close proximity to the edge of said table, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material to the reels along said table in a .path diagonally arranged with respect to the axes of said reels and with the stalks arranged substantially at right angles with respect to said axes.

21. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a substantially horizontal table, twosubstantially horizontal reels arranged one above the other and having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relation, with the bars of each reel in angular position with respect to the adjacent portions of the bars of the other reel and with the bars of each reel moving in close proximity to the edge of said table, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material to the reels along said table in a path diagonally arranged with respect to the axes of said reels with a much more rapid movement longitudinally of the reels than the movement transversely of the reels, the engagement of the stalksbetween oppositely disposed portions of the beater bars being intermittent only and substantially momentary at each' engagement as the stalks move along the reels.

22. The method of treating fibrous material which comprises spreading a series of i v stalks of fibrous material along the edge of a stationary member with free end portionsof the stalks projecting beyond said edge, giv- 4 substantially intothe p ing said stalks a movement longitudinally of said edge and 'a comparatively much slower movement transversely of said member for causing the stalks to project to an in- 5 creased extent as they move along the edge,

supporting the stalks and the fibers momentarily against downward movement at points a short distance beyond the edge of the stationary member, and applying downward 10 pressure on said stalks and fibers between said stationary edge and the points of momentary support for breaking sald stalks.

23. The method of treating fibrous material which comprises spreading a series of stalks of fibrous material along the edge of a stationary member with free end portions of the stalks projecting beyond said edge, giving said stalks a movement longitudinally of said edge and a comparatively much X slower movement transversely of said member for causing the stalks to project to an increased extent as they move along the edge, raising the stalks and the fibers momentarily by action from below progressively along said stationary edge substantially into the plane ofthe stationary member, and applying downward pressure progressively along said stationary edge on said stalks and fibers between said stationary edge and the points where the, stalks are momentarily supported by such raising action for breaking the projecting portions of thestalks.

24. The method of treating fibrous material which comprises spreading a series of stalks of fibrous materlal along the edge of a stationary member witlrfree end portions of the stalks projecting beyond said edge, giving raid stalks a movement longitudinally of said edge and acomparatively' much slower move- 40 ment transversely of said member for causing the stalks are momentarily supported by said raising action for breaking the projecting portions of the stalks.

25. In an apparatus for treating fibrous material, the combination of a table, means 55. for holding a series of stalks of fibrous material firmly in position spread along said table with their end portions projecting beyond the edge of the table and for moving the stalks forward diagonally with respect to said edge 0 for causing the end portions of the stalks to project to an increased extent beyond the edge as the stalks move forward, a. bar in spaced relation to the edge, of the. table in position to support the projecting portions of said stalks and fibers at substantially the level of the edge of the table, a second bar, and means for supporting said second bar and for moving it downwardly into engagement with said stalks and fibers between said first named bar and the edge of the table for breaking the stalks.

26. In an apparatus for treating fibrous material, the combinatiolrof a table, means for holding a series of stalks of fibrous material firmly in position spread along said table with their end portions projecting beyond the edge of the table and for moving the stalks forward diagonally with respect to said edge for causing the end portions of the stalks to project to an increased extent beyond the edge as the stalks move forward, a bar, means for supporting said bar and for moving it upwardly in spaced relation to the edge of the table into position to support momentarily the projecting portions of said stalks and fibers at substantially the level of 1 the edge of the table, a second bar, and means for SIIPPOltlIlg said second bar and for moving it downwardly into engagement with said stalks between said first named bar and the edge of the table when said first named bar is in its elevated position for breaking the stalks.

27. In an apparatus for treating fibrous material, the combination of a table, means tor holding a series of stalks of fibrous material firmly in position spread along said table with their end portions projecting beyond the edge of the table and for moving the stalks forward diagonally with respectto said edge for causing the end portions of the stalks to project to an increased extent beyond the edge as the stalks move forward, a bar, means for supporting said bar in diagonal position with respect to the edge of the table and for moving it upwardly in spaced relation to the edge of the table into position to raise the projecting portions of said stalks and fibers progressively and to support such stalks and fibers momentarily at substantially the level of the edge of the table, a second bar, and means for supportingsaid second bar in (iiagonal position with respect to the edge of the table and for moving such second bar downwardly into progressive engagement with said stalks between the first named bar and the edge of the table.

28. In anapparatus for treating fibrous material, the combination of a table, means for holding a series of stalks of fibrous material firmly in position spread along said table with their end portions proj ectin g beyond the edge of the table and tor moving the stalks forward diagonally with respect to said edge for causing the end portions of the stalks to project to an increased extent beyond the edge as the stalks move forward, a reel having longitudinally arranged bars thereon revolubly mounted on an axis substantiall below the edge of the table, means for rotating 29. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a pair of reels havin longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship,

with the barsof one reel in position to moveinto closeproximity to the bars of the other reel so as to engage a stalk of fibrous material momentarily between them, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material longitudinally of the reels and serving at the same time to feed the stalks gradually into engagement between said bars.

30. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a pair of reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship, with the bars of one reel in position to move into close proximity to the bars of the other reel so as to engage a stalk of fibrous material momentarily between them, a stationary bar in close proximity to which the bars of said reels have their closest approach to each other, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material longitudinally of said stationary bar and serving at the same time to feed the stalks gradually into engagement between said heater bars.

31. An apparatus for treating fibrous material, comprising in combination a pair of reels having longitudinally extending beater bars revolving in interlapping relationship, with the bars of one reel in position to move into close proximity to the bars of the other reel so as to engage a stalk of fibrous material momentarily between them, a stationa bar in close proximity to which the bars 0 said reels have their closest approach to each other, and means for feeding stalks of fibrous material longitudinally of said stationary bar and serving at the same time to feed the stalks gradually into engagement between said beater bars, the arrangement being such that the bars of one reel temporarily raise the fibers by outward movement from the edge of said stationary bar and that each bar in turn of the other reel applies momentary downward pressure on the fibers between the stationary bar and the point of support by the bar of said one reel.

32. In an apparatus for treating fibrous material, the combination of a table, means for holding a series of stalks of fibrous material firmly in position spread along said table with their end portions projecting beyond the edge of the table and for moving the stalks forward diagonally with respect to said edge for causing the end portions of the stalks to project to an increased extent beyond the edge as the stalks move forward, a reel having spirally arranged bars thereon revolubly mounted on an axis substantially below the edge of the table, means for rotating said reel for iving the bars successive movements past the edge of the table substantially in the plane of the table, a second reel having spirally arranged bars thereon revolubly mounted on an axis substantially in the plane of the table, and means for rotating saidsecond reel'in timed relation to said first named reel serving to give the bars thereon successive movements downwardly past the edge of the table and between the ed e of the table and the outer edge of one of the bars of said first named reel, the arrangement of the bars on the two reels being such that such bars have their nearest point of approach shifting along the bars and along the edge ofthe table as rotation continues.

JOHN N. SELVIG. 

